I own a Mini Cooper S R53 2004 for over a year now. I got it modified already, it has a Borla Sports Exhaust system, a Cone air filter, 15% pulley reduction, and that's about it. What should I get next? A good coil pack? bigger intercooler? better spark plugs? what should my next move be for it? I'm trying to be around the 200hp mark but without sacrificing MPG.

Edit:
Also what breaks does the mini cooper s r53 need? Since I hear that annoying noise when I'm braking and I noticed it takes longer to break.

 

Get an extra mini , lol.

 

K24 and swap it in
that cone filter needs to be ditched and either a better intake or stock box.. ur loosing power with just that cone filter if it's just stuck on the stock tube. Couldn't get any more inefficient.

 

EBC red stuff pads a stiffer adjustable RSB and KONI Special Active struts. Replace that plastic coolant expansion tank with stainless steel. The plastic will eventually split at the seem.

 

Your next step should be contacting "adriancl" on this forum for a remote tune. You are not realizing significant HP gains after your mods without a proper tune. Prior to the tune you should also switch to the MS5150 ECU (facelift) because it has more mapping capability than the stock EMS2000 ECU.
P.S. You might also consider switching to 380cc injectors.

 

So I should get the MS5150 ECU and the 380cc injectors before the tune. While at it might as well replace the plastic coolant tank to a stainless steel.

 

Get your Mini, and yourself, to a track day.

 

Yes, that would be my recommendation. The MS5150 ECU, 380cc injectors and Adrian's tune netted me 18HP (dyno confirmed). 18HP is a substantial performance increase for the low cost of these mods.

 

Interesting advise.
I actually have similar mods as the OP. With the exception of me having 380s'. I'm in the same situation.
I Googled the "MS5150 ECU". 'Most cost effective available were from varied sources for remans - and Used (Ebay). Anyone have advice on/who to buy from? Reman? Used?.....??
I remember reading a thread here on the forum not too long ago - A NAM member here sells ECUs.
Thanks.

 

Mr Blah

 

Used is what you'll find. Here's a typical one on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/254278409108

 

If you have a Dealer JCW ( I have an '04 JCW) does that still have the stock ECU? My car is plenty fast been to 135mph with video😉 and with more road could have got a bit more I think.

 

If it was properly installed, the original ECU should have been flashed with the JCW tune and a have a paper JCW update sticker with the Dealer info and date of install written on it. If it’s not there, they either forgot to stick it on, stuck it somewhere else, or it fell off over the years.

 

Ebay has aluminum tanks that imo are the best ones for this car. The coolant one even has a view port built into it you can see the coolant through , I will post a pic of mine tomorrow for you. Both , ps and coolant reservoirs cost me like 150$ only , so both for cheaper than the m7 coolant reservoir alone.

 

I like the EBC, KONI and bigger rear sway bar and recommend them. Also, going with a 215/45-17 summer performance tire like a Firestone Indy500, great bang for the buck!

 

Adjustable rear sway bar

 

Here's those reservoirs..